A good fishing rod is an important precondition for a successful lake fishing setup. Besides the rod’s quality, however, you also need to think about the right rod type. So, what are the best fishing rods for lake fishing? With so many rod types on the market, it can be difficult to choose the rod that fits your exact needs – but the following blog will show you exactly how to do it.
Why Is It Important to Choose the Right Fishing Rod?
Although you can basically use any rod type in different waters, you won’t be able to have the same success with all of them – and if you wish to become a successful angler, you’re going to need the optimal fishing equipment. Therefore, if you’re planning a lake fishing excursion in the near future, it is useful to learn rod types and characteristics you should look after. Remember – a fishing rod is one of the most important parts of fishing equipment, and your choice can have a big impact on your upcoming fishing experience.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Lake Fishing Rod
When choosing a rod best suited for lake fishing, you need to take into consideration more than just the type of water you’re going to fish in. The rod you choose must fit your preferred fishing style and allow you to catch the specific type of fish you’re after. Additionally, keep in mind that not all rod types suit all skill levels, and if you’re a beginner fishing with a rod made for more skilled anglers, you most likely won’t have much success.
Don’t Neglect the Importance of Personal Preference and Comfort
As to the question of what to look for before buying a lake fishing rod, I will show you which rod components and types you should pay the most of your attention to. However, although some rods are generally better for certain styles and skills, I think that the most important thing when it comes to fishing is your experience. Therefore, whichever rod type you end up getting, just ensure it can provide you with the highest level of comfort.
Choosing the Rod Type Based on Rod’s Components
Rods are some of the most expensive parts of fishing equipment, so you need to ensure you’re choosing a rod that can meet all of your fishing needs. After all, you don’t want to spend a large amount of money (or any amount, for that matter) on a rod you won’t be able to use once your next lake fishing trip comes up.
However, there is no simple answer to the question of what the best rod for lake fishing is – it depends on several different factors – we already mentioned the most important ones above. Still, style of fishing, skill level, or fish species you’re after all require certain rod components. Therefore, to choose the right rod for your next lake fishing excursion, you need to know what components you’re looking for. You need to consider the following:
Power
Simply put, it’s a rod’s ability to withstand pressure and can be explained as the amount of force required to bend the fishing rod, and it can range from ultra-heavy to ultra-light. If you’re hoping to catch smaller lake species, light rods are the better choice. Heavier rods would be a better solution for deep lake fishing. Additionally, remember that you’ll need to combine the type of rod with the type of fishing line (lighter rods with lighter lines and vice versa).
Action
If the power shows how much a rod can bend, the action is a component that shows where the bend will occur along the blank. They go from slow to fast action rods. Fast action rods are less flexible, and they bend close to the top of the blank – they are good solutions for heavier fishing baits. Slow action rods will provide you with more whip and flexibility – a good choice when you need to tug your catch from the lake vegetation.
Length
The length of a rod is important when determining how far you want to cast. Naturally, you’ll be able to cast longer with longer roads, but keep in mind that they are much harder to maneuver – and vice versa. You’ll be able to have more control if you choose a shorter rod, but you’ll be more limited on how far the fishing line can go. If you wish to cover more water or fish deep, and you have the necessary skill to succeed in it, then longer rods are a good choice. However, if you’re after some larger fish species, I would recommend shorter rods since they are usually more powerful.
Material
A road material can have a big impact on the angler’s performance. Usually, they are made from graphite, fiberglass, or a combination of those two. Graphite rods are more rigid and sensitive and provide better fighting power but are more brittle, as well. Fiberglass rods are sturdier but heavier. Overall, they are a better option for lake fishing beginners. Composite rods are often preferable by professionals, and they combine the best of both worlds. They are very versatile but can also be quite expensive.
What Are the Best Fishing Rod Types for Lake Fishing?
Besides the rod’s length, material, power, and action, you also should determine which fishing technique you’re going to use. Remember – specific rods are made with a specific technique in mind. That being said, for lake fishing, you’ll most likely be able to use spinning, casting, trolling, and fly fishing rods.
A Spinning Rod Is the Best Choice for Freshwater Fishing
Besides being one of the most popular rod types, a spinning rod is one of the best choices if you plan on going lake fishing. It is fairly easy to use – you’ll be able to hold it with your dominant hand, which will allow you more power and stability. Their weight ranges from very light to heavy, while their actions range from slow to quick, which means that they are very versatile and suitable for many different fishing situations, as well as different skill levels.
Contrary to casting rods, where the line guides are positioned on the top, on spinning rods, they are aligned with the reel and located on the bottom. When it comes to lake fishing (or any other fishing area, to be honest), you’ll rarely go wrong with this rod type.
If you’re interested in buying it and want to discover some popular spinning rods on the market, take a look at the table below:
| Product name | Company | Current price | Material | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Rambler Series Spin Fishing Rod | Moonshine Rod Company | $179 | Wood | 6′-7′ |
| Primo Spinning Rod | Cadence | $99,99 | Carbon Fiber | 6’6″-7’6″ |
| Veritas Spinning Fishing Rod | Abu Garcia | 110.98 – $119.95 | Powerlux | 6’6″-7′ |
A Casting Rod Is Another Easily Operated Type
Casting rods can also be a good choice for lake fishing. They are more durable and come with baitcasting and spincasting reels – the second being a better choice for beginners. Casting rods are the best choice for those who plan to fish in areas with thicker vegetation or those who are after larger fish species, such as bass. Compared to spinning rods, they’ll allow you to be more accurate and cast farther, but keep in mind that they are not versatile.
Some of the best casting fishing rods on the market are:
| Product | Manufacturer | Price | Material | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GX2 Casting Fishing Rod | Ugly Stik | $39,95 – $84,95 | Graphite | 5’6″-7′ |
| Baitcasting Rod with Fuji Line Guides | Piscifun Serpent | $69,99 | Carbon Fiber | 6’10”-7′ |
| Torrent Casting Rod | Piscifun | $39,99 – $54,99 | Carbon Fiber | 6’10”-7’6″ |
Fly Fishing Rods Are a Good Choice for More Experienced Anglers
Fly fishing is one of the most complex fishing styles, which demands a special type of rod. Using fly fishing rods can be an excellent choice for lake excursions, but only if you have enough skills to use them. Note that it provides a shorter casting length, and you must count on the wind being a big factor when fishing.
They are usually longer than previously described types (up to 14′) and function as a lever to convey the fly line to the fish on the other end. On top of that, they need to be combined with fly reels, which operate differently than other reel types. However, if you’re an experienced angler who enjoys fly fishing, this rod type is bound to bring you success. Here are some of Amazon’s top choices:
| Product | Manufacturer | Price | Material | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whisperer Fly Fishing Rod | Aventik | $52,99-$55,99 | Graphite | 6’1″-7’6″ |
| Sword Fly Fishing Rod | Piscifun | $34,99 – $39,99 | Aluminum | 8’6″-9′ |
| Maxcatch Extreme Graphite Fly Fishing Rod | M Maximumcatch | $39,95 – $58,95 | Graphite | 8’4″-10′ |
Trolling Rods Are Most Suitable for Big Lake Fishing
Trolling is a fishing style in which you lure the fish with the movement of the boat. Trolling rods are often stiffer than other types, with huge reels that can hold a lot of fishing line. However, they are not very versatile and can’t be suitable for other fishing techniques.
| Product | Manufacturer | Price | Material | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Pro GLT | Okuma | $40,99 – $52,30 | Steel | 7′ |
| Great Lakes Trolling Combo | Okuma | $80.03 – $174.94 | Composite | 8’6″ |
| Wilderness Downrigger Trolling Freshwater Rod | Daiwa | $31,89 | Blend | 8’6″ |
You’ll Need a Special Type of Rod for Ice Fishing
If your next lake fishing excursion is planned on the frozen lake, you’ll need an ice fishing rod – and, of course, there are many different types to choose from. It doesn’t have a standard reel but is otherwise quite similar to a spinning rod – although visibly shorter. With it, you’ll be able to fish in small areas characteristic of ice fishing. The power, action, length, and material will most likely depend on the type of fish you’re after. For example, you’ll need a lighter rod to catch panfish, while heavy rods will allow you to catch pike or musky.
Make Sure You’re Familiar With Rod Markings
Now that you know what type of rod you need and which components it should have, all you need to do is ensure you buy the right one – and rod markings are there to stop you from making a mistake. This combination of letters and numbers is all you need to know to determine what kind of fishing rod is in front of you.
Take a look at the following marking:
Spin MH 662 Line Wt 6-11lb, Lure Wt 15-30lb
It implies that it’s a two-parted, medium-heavy spinning rod of 6’6″ in length, with a recommended fishing line between 6 and 11 pounds and recommended lure weight between 15 and 30 pounds – and most of the rod manufacturers will show the specifications in this order. If you’re not sure about the specifications for a certain type of rod, don’t hesitate to talk to the salesperson and ask them to explain the markings.
Ensure You Have All You Need for a Successful Lake Fishing Trip
As you can see, lake fishing rods can vary in length, flexibility, power, and even style – choosing the right one will depend on where you plan on fishing, what you want to catch, and how skilled of an angler you are. However, note that the rod is not the only important part of your fishing equipment! Alongside the right rod, you also need to acquire the suitable reel, line, and bait to catch as many fish as you want. And once you do, nothing is stopping you from having an amazing fishing trip out on the lake!
